Editors' Review

Spybot - Search and Destroy is a free malware and spyware detection and removal tool that utilizes open source malware definitions to protect your computer against attack. What makes the tool so useful is that it is very lightweight -- running in the background without interrupting your activities -- but it can actively identify threats when they appear on your computer.

Pros

Free and powerful: Unlike many spyware and malware detectors, Spybot is free for personal use, being supported largely by commercial licenses and donations. Combined with the frequent updates, speedy scans, and a number of tools like System and File Scan, Immunization, and a Quarantine-level update, this is a very powerful tool. While hidden at first, there are also advanced tools like Report Creator, Startup Tools, and Rootkit Scan.

Long pedigree: Spybot has been a free tool since the 1990's, and the developers continuously update and add new features. After installation, you'll be prompted to back up your Registry, and at any time you can switch from manual to automatic protection mode. For most users, then, Spybot is easy to use, running automatically in the background at set times, but it also offers more advanced tools for users with the experience to use them.

Cons

Some hidden tools: While all basic tools are free to use, and you'll never pay for a definitions update, some tools remain locked pending a paid upgrade. These include Phone Scan, Boot CD Creator, Secure Shredder, and System Repair. These are not vital or core parts of the software, but it's not immediately clear how to unlock and use them.

Some tools removed: Longtime favorite tools like TeaTimer have been removed, while new tools are available, albeit with some of them costing money. Spybot was never a full replacement for an Antivirus suite, but some longtime users may be frustrated with the changes.

Bottom Line

If you have spyware or malware on your computer, your first step should be to download Spybot. This free detection tool is among the most trusted, and it's the ideal first step when you suspect a problem or want to ensure future problems don't create headaches.

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Publisher's Description

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

Free Spybot Search & Destroy, have been using Spybot S& D for many years.

Cons

This Version 2.4.x., seems to be carrying the VIRUS HELP_DECRYPT and HELP_RESTORE. I later installed the Spybot Active Web Protection, then the files on my computer got encrypted by HELP_DECRYPT. At first I did not believe the cause was Spybot S&D, so I formatted Drive C:, and did a clean install of Windows, and ran my computer with no VIRUS infections, I reinstalled Spybot S&D with the Active Web Protection, then got the Virus HELP_RESTORE with Drive C: getting Encrypted. I have once again fomatted Drive C:, and reinstalled Spybot S&D WITHOUT the Active Web Protection, and have not encountered the Viruses HELP_RESTORE and HELP DECRYPT.

I spent several hours trying to remove a particular adware file that kept attempting to break through my avg antivirus. after about 5 other free products failed to remove this incredibly annoying file, I tried spybot and was thrilled to see that it was finally gone!!

Cons

I see none as of yet!

Summary

this product is easy to use and even the free version worked like a champ!

The only con I can rightly say is that it consumes a lot of system resources and some of the scans can take a while, depending on the size of your system and the configurations of the scan you choose.

Summary

This is a robust security application that is an excellent supplement to existing security software and especially useful for those whom still use the Internet Explorer browser, because of the protections it offers, including that of the host file as well as a user's homepage.

Even if you don't want to pay for the full version, the free version is still worth the download and is a formidable contender in the world of antimalware software.

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